Synopsis: At tonight’s ball you run into a familiar face you haven’t seen in years, your childhood friend you used to tease; and they're not happy about it. Although pressured into a marriage to combine your kingdom’s powers, the two of you escape from responsibilities just for tonight as if you are kids again. (Who started playing Ribs by Lorde???)(1700 words)

Important Notes: Feel free to change or make additions to small aspects of this work such as the tags, pronouns, title, etc.! VA goes by SPEAKER and the listener is LISTENER. LISTENER responses are “...”.

Fun fact, the original title was going to be "I'll Kill You In Your Sleep," but later on I realized it didn't fit the overall tone lol.

You Will Be The Death Of Me

Monetization is okay, just be sure to see my Terms of Use

Script List

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FADE IN

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INT. BALLROOM- EVENING.

As the music ensemble continues performing in the background, the speaker approaches the listener with their charismatic persona.

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SPEAKER

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m glad we were properly introduced by our parents, otherwise, I’m not sure I would have had the courage to talk to you. I noticed you chatting up with the others so freely, I can infer that you knew them beforehand, or perhaps it’s just your bountiful charm. You've certainly caught my attention nonetheless, may I have this dance?

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The two walk onto the dance floor.

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SPEAKER

I suppose we have a lot to cover considering our arrangement. I've never been fond of the idea of an arranged marriage, but I'm grateful to at least be familiar with you beforehand-

(bitter/disgusted)

You! You. You. How did I not realize? Well, it's probably because of that stupid mask. And the fact that your royal title sounds a lot more tolerable than you ever were.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

I know you're toying with me. Sure we were only about ten at the time but that summer your family spent at our palace was miserable. No offense to your parents, just to you, who by the way, are looking in our direction. Just dance with me.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Oh, I will go into detail. While I was trying to grow accustomed to royal duties, watching from afar how my parents handled the meetings held with yours, you'd sneak in with pastries you stole from the kitchen. Then you wouldn't stop pestering me and poking fun at me for being "too serious" and then shove a pastry in my mouth.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Don't remember? I can go on forever. Ah, this will certainly ring a bell. You kept using me as your unwilling sparring partner, going on about how you want to be the head of your own royal guard. I told you it wasn't practical and then you jabbed me with your training sword! That bruise took a whole week to heal, you know!

(pause)

Now I know you remember because of that reaction.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Yes. I hated you and your stupid little ambition of being both a royal and head of the royal guard. Hmm… I see you've been continuing your training since you're light on your feet.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

It doesn't matter how many classes I've taken, I'm not precisely exquisite at dancing. Why are you looking at me like that?

(pause)

Don't pick up the pace!

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Hanging onto you tighter isn’t going to make any of this better. Stop already. You're going to make me trip. My parents are looking now. Slow down. Just smile.

(through clenched teeth)

Yay, we are having so much fun. Hold me closer. Just do it. So much fun.

(normal)

Alright, I think we've had enough dancing. Let's head over to the refreshments table.

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They walk over.

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SPEAKER

What a coincidence, they have your favorite pastries. The ones you used to shove into my mouth to shut me up.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

How could I forget? Believe me, I still hold a grudge against you. Great, they're looking over again.

(under their breath)

Agh, think of something romantic. Right, I can feed one to you.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

What did you expect me to say?

(overdramatic, sarcastic)

Oh, I bullied you because I secretly had a big fat crush on you! Mmph!

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The listener shoves the pastry into their mouth.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

(after swallowing)

Yes, it tastes good, better than I remember. And now they're laughing. Thank you for this wonderful night of disappointment and humiliation. I've had enough of you. I need some air.

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TIME JUMP

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EXT- PALACE GARDEN- NIGHT.

(SFX. night ambiance, crickets, etc.)

In the middle of sulking, the speaker notices the listener coming over.

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SPEAKER

Oh. It's you. What did I expect? Annoyingly persistent as I remember. Honestly, at the rate this is going, if I'm forced to marry you I'll kill you in your sleep.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Fine, you do have more training. Kill me in your sleep. I mean- kill me while I sleep.

(sigh)

Just end me. I'm sure you'll find a way anyways.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Why wouldn't I be mad? I've never been in such a flurry of emotions and dragged around and- this isn't what I'm used to. It's just like we remember. I'm the stiff serious one and you're rowdy and restless.

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Long silence.

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SPEAKER

You know, it was pretty dull before we started talking. I mean, it was obvious how my whole attitude changed before I knew it was you and then after. It's like my entire persona crumbled because of you. Don't get me wrong, I'm still upset.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Well, I wouldn't consider it a facade, it's just how I prefer to carry myself. I'll take my mask off, we're alone anyways.

(pause)

You don't have to take yours off. I just- oh. You're- you look different.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

(slightly embarrassed)

I don't think I changed that much.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Oh. Well, thank you. You look lovely as well.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

I am not just saying that to be nice. I’m… being honest.

(pause)

This feels so nostalgic. I’ve been alone out here at night countless times, but it’s not the same as when we were younger and staying up way past our bedtimes. I kept telling you I saw shadows in the bushes and you would just stand in front of me, declaring that you’d protect me. Then the leaves would rustle and I would grab your hand and run. Except I was too busy freaking out so I tripped and slid into the mud. Then we both got into a lot of trouble. It’s silly but… just the little moments like that are memories I will cherish forever. The world seemed so much more vibrant and alive when we were younger but it has all become dull to me now. Perhaps it’s the reality of growing up, preparing to inherit a kingdom or the overlying stress of meeting expectations.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

It only makes sense that you feel that stress as well. Go on.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

I see. Well, I don’t think your bright aura is a complete act. Sure you were a bit shy in the past, but you were always the determined type. I’m glad to see you hold yourself with more confidence even if you’re secretly anxious all of the time. You bringing in that bright aura honestly brought more light into the palace. It’s most likely the memories we had together, but I’m grateful for it still.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

(dramatic)

Oh really? I don’t think I am in need of protection, but by all means, save me heir to the kingdom and head of the royal guard!

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Alright, I’m coming, I'm coming. What are we going to do, finally investigate those bushes?

(pause)

Agh! Not to sound like a stick in the mud but we really shouldn’t be running! Neither of us is dressed appropriately. Please don’t tell me you’re taking us to…

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(SFX. footsteps fading out)

TIME JUMP

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SPEAKER

Yes, yes. Let me just catch my breath. I didn’t think you’d remember since it’s been so long. The hill looks much smaller now. But, the ballroom still looks so far away from here. Even if we’re not that far, just the contrast makes the night sky and lights make it seem like a bubble. Like all of the stress is in its own world for now.

(teasing)

As of right now, I’m stuck with you.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

I’ll gladly shove you off, but is it really a good idea to ruin your attire? Do I even need to ask? It isn’t. Roll down a hill on your own time- agh!

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(SFX. what sound does pummeling down a hill with soft grass make?)

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SPEAKER

(laughing)

Oh gosh, that’s going to hurt in the morning. Are you alright?

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[...]

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SPEAKER

(concerned)

Really? Let me see.

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They shuffle closer.

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SPEAKER

You liar. Don’t scare me like that!

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Long silence. The speaker sighs.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

It’s not a big deal, I didn’t really like this outfit that much anyways. It’s very constricting. We can just lay here for a while.

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Long silence.

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SPEAKER

Look, we don’t have to do this. I know our… marriage… is supposed to be arranged but our parents aren’t ruthless. Well, I know mine aren’t at least.

(pretending to be serious)

As long as I formulate my words to the utmost perfection…

(sighing, normal)

I can basically explain how this decision isn’t a good idea. I can continue acting as their perfect well-spoken heir and tell them that there is another way to unite kingdoms. There really doesn’t need to be any of this at all.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Huh? I mean, neither of us wanted this in the first place, right? I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to marry you. I mean- I just…

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[...]

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SPEAKER

No, no! I do. I mean, I would like to be with you… if you’d like that too of course.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

Well, how do you want me to ask? Did you want me to bring out all of my charm or something? As if you could do better- why are you getting down on one knee?

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[...]

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SPEAKER

…wow. I mean. Yes, I’d love to court you. Here, I’ll get on one knee as well.

(pause)

We’ve only spent time together in the past and tonight, but I feel like you know me better than anyone, and that I can truly be myself with you. Even if the world seems daunting, I think we could do anything together. Can I have the honor of having your hand and being by your side, as both my best friend and more?

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[...]

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SPEAKER

(chuckling)

I'm glad.

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They kiss.

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SPEAKER

(teasing)

I guess I did bully you because I liked you. Just a little though.

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The listener pushes them onto the grass.

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SPEAKER

Did you learn this in training too? If you wanted to kiss me more you don’t have to pin me down like this.

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[...]

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SPEAKER

I missed you too.

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They kiss some more.

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SPEAKER

(chuckling)

Look at us, just some idiots on the grass. It doesn't matter whether you kill me in my sleep or not, I know you will be the death of me.

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FADE OUT

Thank you for reading/ considering using my work! (๑′ᴗ‵๑)